Now that Spring 2014
fashion week is over, it’s the time to dissect the trends that appeared on the
runways in New York, Paris, Milan, and London. Each city saw a new and
different interpretation of the trends of the seasons. That being said, not
every trend on the runway is going to make it to the stores come next spring.
Cheryl Denise was kind enough to allow me to cover some of the key trends I saw
on the runways for her website. These are the trends I think have legs, and
you’ll be seeing pop up in stores in 2014.
Gym Rats
This trend first
caught my eye when the iconic Tom Ford put a decidedly casual (well, for him)
laser cut leather tank top on his runway. Next, Gucci showed billowy metallic
materials and a slouchy fit intended to drape across the body creating a luxe
and casual look. The idea of luxury sportswear again appeared at Emilio Pucci,
however with a decidedly 90’s turn via bejeweled tracksuits and leather crop
tops. In Paris Anthony Vaccarello wanted to reflect the idea of swimwear in the
city. The end product was triangle shaped hemlines and cutouts past the hip as
a daring and sexy option for the real life gym rats.
Arts & Crafts
This season also saw
designers embrace the growing world of DIY and crafting. The most literal
interpretation appeared at Chanel where Karl Lagerfeld staged an art school
themed runway show and dressed his models as (very, very wealthy) art students.
Celine’s Phoebe Philo created bold tribal prints with large brushstroke
patterns on many of the pieces she showed, turning each piece into a canvas.
The pieced together and scrambled look of scrapbooks also appeared on the
runways of Christopher Kane and Christian Dior.
School Girls
Alexander Wang kicked
off New York Fashion Week with a collection that looked to the refined look of
schoolgirl staples like oxfords, argyle sweaters, and pinafores. Next, in
Milan, Prada sent out an army of schoolgirls in shift dresses and top coats
that recalled the staples of a 50’s co-ed, but with thoroughly modern
embellishments. Viktor & Rolf created a surrealist schoolgirl look in Paris
with asymmetrical blazers, voluminous pleated skirts, and sweaters which were
pierced with spikes.
Top Heavy
While strong shoulders have been in style for a few seasons now, this season it was all about the rounded shoulder, in an attempt to soften the normally harsh look. After appearing in New York and Milan (most notably at the No. 21 show), the silhouette hit its stride in Paris. The tastemakers at Balmain, Balenciaga, and Giambattista Valli all showed that this is going to be the look for jackets next spring.
About the Author: Spencer Blohm is a freelance
entertainment, fashion, culture, and lifestyle journalist for www.satellitestartinternet.com. In addition to
doing extensive research online he also likes to conduct “field research” which
is essentially shopping, but under a different name. He lives, works, and shops
in Chicago.
